Rotary Paste Cartridge Changeover for Continuous Stencil Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stencil printers require manual intervention for routine operations such as changing stencils, replacing solder paste cartridges, and updating squeegee blades, leading to prolonged downtime and inefficiencies in PCB fabrication.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated stencil printer system with a rotary indexing mechanism and paste dispensing transfer system that automates the replacement and replenishment of paste cartridges, stencils, and squeegee blades, using a carousel mount and motor-driven mechanism to transfer used and new cartridges, reducing manual intervention and increasing operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual replacement of paste cartridges is performed, then the operator can replace cartridges, but the stencil printer experiences prolonged downtime and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic paste cartridge replacement through a robotic end effector that autonomously removes spent cartridges and installs fresh ones from a magazine, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and preventing production downtime during cartridge changes
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple paste cartridges are pre-loaded into a magazine reservoir before operation begins. The system proactively manages cartridge inventory and automatically swaps cartridges before the print head runs out of paste, ensuring continuous operation without interruption to the printing process
2Productivity
If automated paste cartridge transfer system is implemented, then continuous operation is enabled, but the device complexity increases with additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic end effector serves multiple functions: it grasps paste cartridges, transfers them between the magazine and print head, and can potentially handle other maintenance tasks. The magazine structure also serves dual purposes as both storage and automated feeding mechanism, reducing the need for separate dedicated components
Solution Approach 2:
The paste cartridge magazine is positioned and integrated within the existing stencil printer frame structure. The robotic end effector is mounted on the print head assembly, utilizing the print head's existing motion systems and space. This nested arrangement allows the automated cartridge transfer system to operate within the confines of the original printer geometry without requiring a complete system redesign or excessive additional space
Data Source
AI summary
A paste dispensing transfer system of a stencil printer is configured to print an assembly material on an electronic substrate. The transfer system includes a paste cartridge mechanism coupled to a print head assembly of the stencil printer, and a rotary indexing mechanism coupled to a frame of the stencil printer. The paste dispensing transfer system is configured to transfer a used paste cartridge from the print head assembly to the rotary indexing mechanism supported by the frame and to transfer a new paste cartridge from the rotary indexing mechanism to the print head assembly.